 All too often, society construes pregnancy and parenthood as a smooth ride. The typical image of new parents sees them shrouded in a bubble of universal happiness and baby bliss, and they're expected to be okay – and coping – at all times. But that isn't always the case. The changes that becoming a parent brings can be overwhelming, and postnatal depression is an issue that impacts millions around the world. Now, in a landmark moment for female healthcare, the US has approved the first pill to treat postnatal depression. Developed by Biogen and Sage Therapeutics, Zurzuvae helped people feel better within a few days of use in tests, and is set to be available towards the end of 2023. But what is postnatal depression, what are the symptoms, and how does this new medication work? What is postnatal depression? A form of depression that parents might experience after having a baby, postnatal depression is often conflated with the so-called 'baby blues' – or feelings of sadness or anxiety experienced in the first week after giving birth. But 'baby blues' typically go away after two weeks, whereas if symptoms are persistent, it could be postnatal depression. 50%of new parents with postnatal depression go undiagnosed (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto The condition can severely impact a parent-child relationship, as well as a parent's ability to return to normal functioning. It's increasingly common, but a significant amount of stigma remains. Published in 2022, one study found that approximately one in seven women can develop postnatal depression – also known as postpartum depression. However, the NHS places this figure at closer to one in every ten women, noting that the condition can also impact partners as well as the carrying parent. Further research published in 2006 revealed that around 50% of new parents go undiagnosed for fear of disclosing their struggles to family members. What are the signs){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
All too often, society construes pregnancy and parenthood as a smooth ride.
The typical image of new parents sees them shrouded in a bubble of universal happiness and baby bliss, and they’re expected to be okay – and coping – at all times.
But that isn’t always the case. The changes that becoming a parent brings can be overwhelming, and postnatal depression is an issue that impacts millions around the world.
Now, in a landmark moment for female healthcare, the US has approved the first pill to treat postnatal depression.